PASTOR'S DECEMBER MESSAGE

Now after they [the magi or wise men] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

    I still remember Christmas Eve when I was about 10 years old. While we were staying with my grandparents, my Dad received a call from our neighbor, Mr. Glenn. Eric, his son, had discovered there was a broken basement window at our house indicating a theft. I felt violated and sad on what was supposed to be a very special night. My grandma knew just what to do to help my brother and me get out of the sadness. She rummaged through the gifts under the tree until she found two games that helped us get back in the proper frame of mind for Christmas. While speaking with my wife, I was surprised that her family had been robbed Christmas Eve too. When she was six, someone was envious of her father’s 8-track tape player and tapes and took them. They were even stolen while the car was sitting outside their military base housing.

    I venture to guess that most people will experience something like this at some point. It may not have been something physical, but we’ve all had something taken from us that has left us sad or worse. However, the above scripture reminds us that Jesus can’t be taken from our hearts. King Herod and the people were fearful of a potential rival. God saved Jesus to fulfil his purpose as the Messiah. However, Jesus didn’t come to be a regular king. His kingdom would transcend space and time. Jesus came with the purpose of saving us, not conquest. When we allow Jesus into our hearts, no thief can take him away. May this short reflection remind you of the real meaning of Christmas; that God so loved us that he sent his Son to save us from sin and death (John 3:16-17). 

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 Many Blessings,    Pastor Shayne